TranslateRepurposing Property Grant Fund
The Repurposing Property Grant Fund (RPGF) supports owners and communities to bring vacant land and buildings, including properties at risk of vacancy, back into use.
Maximising land and assets is a key part of the North Ayrshire Regeneration Delivery Plan (RDP). This is reflective of the significant legacy of vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire. Combined, the Vacant and Derelict Land and Buildings at Risk registers identify over 250 sites mostly in private ownership which require development. These are subject to a legacy of issues including undermining, contamination, deterioration or major industrial closures. Whilst there are several reasons for a lack of development including economic, locational, or physical constraints, a lack of financial viability remains a common theme.
Engagement on the RDP also identified that several of these sites have a negative impact on our communities and represent local priorities for action.
In response, we have developed a RPGF with a view to reinvigorating discussion on, and identifying the potential of, local sites. This aims to provide targeted assistance to support owners and communities to bring vacant land and buildings back into productive use.
The fund aims to:
- enable or support the repair or redevelopment of vacant land and buildings
- support early intervention for properties at risk of becoming vacant or derelict
- to act as a catalyst to promote future investment from the private sector and external funding
- safeguard the future of prominent buildings by indicating how high-quality conversion may be achieved
- enable the Council to map development potential and barriers to development
The Repurposing Property Grant Fund supports a wide range of projects that help bring vacant, under-used or deteriorating buildings and land back into productive community or economic use. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, condition surveys, development appraisals and concept design work that enables owners and communities to make informed decisions on future redevelopment. Projects span heritage buildings, former schools, community assets, parks and open space, and redundant commercial properties.
To date the Fund has awarded over £550,000 across multiple projects, enabling detailed assessments and proposals that have strengthened investment cases and unlocked opportunities for future regeneration. This work has contributed to safeguarding important local assets, identifying viable new uses, and supporting place-based improvements across the North Ayrshire.
Successes include early identification of development potential, clearer understanding of structural and financial requirements, and improved readiness for further funding. Challenges have included severe deterioration, vandalism, high repair costs and limited market demand in some locations.
Key lessons learned emphasise the importance of early intervention, thorough assessment before committing to redevelopment, active community engagement and ensuring proposals are environmentally and financially sustainable. These insights guide the ongoing development of the Fund and help maximise long-term impact.
The Repurposing Property Grant Fund has three stages:
Stage 1 – Project Feasibility
Support for early-stage exploration of a project’s potential. This includes commissioning a feasibility study and, where relevant, preparing a business plan. Work at this stage assesses options for the future use of the land or building and determines the viability of taking the project forward.
Stage 2 – Project Development
Funding to progress a viable project to a fully developed, delivery stage. This can include preparing detailed architectural and technical designs, securing all necessary statutory consents, confirming construction and project costs, and identifying funding sources and their availability.
Stage 3 – Project Delivery (launch expected late 2026)
Support for the physical and delivery phase. This stage provides funding to undertake construction and associated works required to repurpose the land or building.
In the first instance, please submit an Expression of Interest outlining your project which the RPGF Project Team will assess.
Express interest formIf your project meets the criteria of the Fund, you’ll be invited to submit a full application which can be submitted via online form with supporting documents emailed to regeneration@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
The following is subject to available funding:
- RPGF Stage 1 Project Feasibility: Typically, 4 to 6 weeks from date of application
- RPGF Stage 2 – Project Development: Typically, 6 to 8 weeks from date of application
- RPGF Stage 3 – Project Delivery: Two submission deadlines per year, with a decision being made 8 to 10 weeks after the deadline date
An assessment process will be applied when considering applications. This is designed to favour applications relating to North Ayrshire Locality Priorities, long-term vacant, and historic or prominent building sites in proximity to Town Centres.
Stage 1
Assessment of a RPGF Stage 1 Project Feasibility application will include a site visit to inform the RPGF Project Team’s understanding of the aspiration, and assessment to the project against the established criteria.
Stage 2
Assessment of a RPGF Stage 2 Project Development application will build upon the outcomes of the RPGF Feasibility Stage and include a review of the Project Feasibility report and assessment of the long-term sustainability and viability of the project.
Stage 3
Assessment of a RPGF Stage 3 Project Delivery application will build on the outcomes of the Feasibility and Development stages of the Project and the applicant/owner’s long term aims and objectives for the property. The assessment process will consider the viability of your project, including evidence that it is well planned and funded. The applicant must demonstrate that the project is sustainable and detail mitigation of any potential risks.
Contact
Address: Repurposing Property Grant Fund Project Team, Regeneration Services, Communities & Housing, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE